BRADFORD PAEDOPHILE MASSIMO CAPAZZO JAILED FOR ABUSE OF BOYS IN BRADFORD
In a case that has shocked the community of Bradford, a man identified as Massimo Capazzo, formerly known as Andrew Collins, has been sentenced to over six years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of two young boys over a span of five years.The disturbing revelations came to light after Capazzo voluntarily approached police last summer, confessing to some of his criminal acts in an effort to unburden himself.
His admission prompted a thorough investigation, which uncovered the extent of his depravity.
Capazzo, aged 41, was a member of the Jehovah’s Witness faith, a detail that added a layer of betrayal to the case.
According to prosecutor Sophie Drake, the abuse was initially reported within the religious community when the elders at a Bradford place of worship became aware of Capazzo’s inappropriate conduct.
She explained that he was subsequently disfellowshipped, meaning he was formally expelled from the congregation.
Despite this, he was still permitted to attend meetings, and at that time, the authorities were not informed of his actions.
The court heard that last year, Capazzo, residing at Brookfield Road, Pollard Park, Bradford, entered a police station and confessed to his crimes, citing a desire to clear his conscience.
His confession revealed that he had engaged in a pattern of abuse involving two boys, whose identities are protected by law.
The prosecutor detailed how Capazzo had lured the boys with alcohol, providing them with strong drinks, and subjected them to disturbing adult content, including horror and pornographic films.
One of the victims described feeling “numb” during the abuse, and it was estimated that he had performed sexual acts on Capazzo between 40 and 50 times.
There is also suspicion that Capazzo may have recorded some of the abuse, adding a further layer of severity to his crimes.
The impact on the victims has been profound and long-lasting, with both now adults describing feelings of worthlessness and guilt in their victim personal statements.
They have required professional psychological support to cope with the trauma inflicted upon them.
Capazzo faced multiple charges, including indecent assaults and engaging in sexual activity with a child.
He pleaded guilty to these offences, which marked a significant development in the case.
His legal representative, Yunus Valli, highlighted that the fact Capazzo voluntarily went to the police and admitted his guilt was a mitigating factor, demonstrating some level of remorse and awareness of wrongdoing.
However, Judge John Potter emphasized that Capazzo’s actions represented a gross breach of trust.
The judge pointed out that when Capazzo initially approached the police, he only admitted to abusing one of the boys, despite evidence suggesting a pattern of systematic abuse involving both victims.
The judge condemned the acts as “truly wicked” and a clear example of grooming and exploitation.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Potter described the abuse as systematic child abuse, noting the severe psychological damage inflicted on the victims, who continue to struggle with the aftermath.
As a result, Capazzo was sentenced to a total of six years and eight months in prison.
Additionally, he will be subject to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, which will restrict his contact with children, and he will be required to register as a sex offender with the police for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.
